Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan was asked earlier this week how the Badgers would replace departed point guard Jordan Taylor.

Ryan didn't name any names, but it was no secret the job would go to junior Josh Gasser, who acknowledged he was ready and eager for the role.

"I just like having the ball in my hands," said Gasser, who should be backed up by redshirt freshman George Marshall. "I think I am good enough to make plays for my teammates. That is the mind-set I've had since I've been 8 years old."

Taylor left UW with 136 games played, 1,533 points and an NCAA-record assist-to-turnover margin of 3.01 with 464 assists and 154 turnovers.

Gasser started 66 of 70 games in his first two seasons. Known more for his defense and rebounding, Gasser has averaged 6.8 points, 2.0 assists and 1.0 turnover per game.

"He's learned from those before him," Ryan said. "I'm very pleased with what he's done and how the guys have rallied around him.

"So I think we will be still in pretty good shape, maybe not the point guards that we have had with (Trevon) Hughes and Taylor that can beat you off the bounce, low to the ground, real thick shoulder-type guys.

"But Josh is a different point guard, but just as effective so far, and hopefully that will happen in the games, too."

Asked to identify Gasser's strengths, Ryan noted that at 6 foot 3, Gasser had more size and length than Taylor or Hughes.

"He's a little longer," Ryan said. "His handle - he is going to be tough to take the ball away from. He can get it into position to start whatever we're doing.

"Defensively, he is so much better at this point than a lot of the other guards that we've had at the point, because of his length.

"The other guys were pretty good defenders, but Josh is a step above that defensively.

"And because of his height, I think he can see things very well. . . . He understands angles, and he's extremely competitive."